Italian MX-5 Rally breaks Guinness Records title for largest Mazda parade 

MANILA: The "MX-5 Rally of Records," which was held at the Modena Circuit in Italy, broke the record for the largest Mazda car procession ever with 707 Mazda MX-5 roadsters.

The event broke the previous record of 683 automobiles in a parade in the Netherlands in 2013.

As the Guinness World Records adjudicator watched, the cars raced around the renowned Italian track on September 18 during the Italian parade — which included all four generations of the famed MX-5. Upon confirmation from the adjudicator that a record was broken, it delighted hundreds of MX-5 lovers from across Italy and Europe that the record is now official.

The one-of-a-kind rally allowed the Mazda Italy crew the chance to add a significant chapter to the background of the world's most popular roadster.

In addition to the record-breaking event, Nobuhiro Yamamoto, a Japanese engineer who served as the head engineer for the third and fourth generation MX-5, gave a presentation titled "Fun to Drive Will Never Die" during the record-breaking event.

Other speakers at the event — including Andrea Mancini, the owner of "Miataland," an opulent resort situated in the Umbrian hills where he keeps his sizable MX-5 collection — shared various anecdotes about what makes them passionate about the MX-5.

Masashi Nakayama, Program Manager and Chief Designer for the MX-5, shed light on why the latest version of the roadster is loved by many enthusiasts.

“The key phrase for our development of the fourth-generation MX-5 was ‘Innovate in order to preserve’, and I strongly believe that this model's ongoing appeal is the result of our unceasing commitment to refining the vehicle over its 30-year history. We intend to keep refining the car, seeking out new ways to make it even more thrilling and satisfying to drive, so it can continue to offer customers unique excitement and cement its position as a cultural icon.”

Commenting on the 2022 Mazda MX-5, Mazda UK Managing Director Jeremy Thomson said: “When it comes to driver engagement, the current generation MX-5 has already established itself as a benchmark sports car, and with the 2022 Mazda MX-5 we continue to offer one of the most exciting and satisfying to drive cars money can buy.”

“Our engineers have created a sports car that incorporates our ground-breaking Skyactiv technology, modern safety and superb efficiency with the driver focused enjoyment for which the MX-5 is loved,” Thomson added.

“The MX-5 is Mazda’s brand icon and it embodies all that is great about our products. Its fun to drive character has strengthened the bond between Mazda and its customers for more than 30 years and the 2022 model continues this unswerving dedication to delivering an affordable, engaging, world-class sports car.”

Earlier this year, Mazda Philippines presented the newest iteration of the Mazda MX-5 that is now available in the European market. It sports various updates such as color and trim changes and a handling upgrade.

Both the 2022 Mazda MX-5 automatic and manual transmission variants are available in Soft-Top and Retractable Fastback (RF) body styles.

The fabric for the Soft-Top MX-5 can be ordered in either black or dark cherry colors for a more personalized finish. Those who prefer the RF will have the choice of either a body colored or black roof for automatic-equipped selections, or a black roof for the stick shift RF.

As part of the update, the 2022 Mazda MX-5 has been made available with a new body color. Platinum Quartz Metallic, which replaces Arctic White, features a silky white finish that has a quartz-like translucency.

For the first time since its Philippine introduction in 2018, the Mazda MX-5 Club Edition was made available in the Soft-Top guise.

Similar to the RF, the Soft-Top MX-5 Club Edition featured the exclusive line’s signature Recaro sport bucket seats and lightweight 17-inch Dark Finish BBS Forged Wheels.

Both the manual MX-5 Soft Top and RF has been equipped with Bilstein Sports Dampers for a more engaging drive.

To deliver sharper handling, the updated Mazda MX-5 saw the addition of Kinematic Posture Control (KPC). This new suspension technology — without adding a single gram to the car’s weight — is designed to counter body lean, as well as pitch and diving during hard braking.

The MX-5 continued to be motivated by the potent two-liter Skyactiv-G engine, which produces 184ps and 205Nm of torque. A six-speed manual and automatic are the transmission options.

Introduced in September 2018, the updated 184ps version of the two-liter Skyactiv-G engine featured lighter pistons and con-rod, upgraded camshafts, exhaust valves, fuel injectors, throttle valve and air intake — all of which increase performance over the 160ps version that featured in the fourth-generation MX-5 at launch in 2015.

As a result, the engine has a redline of 7,500rpm. In addition with higher fuel pressure and more efficient combustion than the 160ps version, there’s an increase in torque across the rev range, while peak torque rises by 5Nm.

With Mazda's i-ELOOP kinetic recovery and i-Stop Stop-Start technology standard across both engines, the MX-5 is more economical than ever. This is made possible by the MX-5's scant weight.

The appearance of the 2022 MX-5 has not been changed — as one would anticipate from a vehicle that won World Car Design of the Year for its debut in 2015.

The MX-5 is also serving as a racing car platform for the Manila Sports Car Club (MSCC)’s Miata Spec Series, which began its first season in June of this year at Clark International Speedway. Twenty race-ready Mazda MX-5s took to the track for the first round of the four-round race series.

The MSCC Miata Spec Series vehicle has a 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G engine mated to a six-speed Skyactiv manual transmission that is in showroom condition. Cusco sports coil overs and chassis braces have been used to modify and reinforce the suspension parts in order to increase grip.

Additionally, Drift Xaust custom stainless steel exhaust system optimizes air flow and amplifies the intense racing note originating from the MX-5's 181-horsepower engine. Each car features a Sparco competition steering wheel, racing seat, harness, and safety net, as well as a new Cusco racing roll cage to ensure the drivers' control and safety. The Miata Spec Series cars are equipped with GT Radial Champiro SX2 tires mounted on custom 17 x 8.0 J Rota Strike wheels.

The MSCC Miata Spec Series is co-presented by Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation, GT Radial tires, and Rota Wheels, with the next races happening on October 22 (Races 5 and 6) and November 26 (Races 7 and 8) at the Clark International Speedway.

During the 8th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) held this September at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, Mazda Philippines showcased its latest offerings, including the limited-run Mazda MX-5 MCP 25th Anniversary Edition.

To commemorate the silver anniversary of Miata Club of the Philippines, the oldest single-make car club in the country, Mazda this MX-5 MCP 25th Anniversary Edition.

The MX-5 MCP 25th Anniversary Edition is available in Platinum Quartz Metallic with a Navy Blue soft top. Navy Blue accents are also added on the side mirrors and roll hoops. This limited-edition model is fitted with 17-inch Satin Silver alloy wheels.

A special Mazda Connect Commander knob finished in Sterling Silver is equipped inside. It also has a Serial Number Plate that is also finished in Sterling Silver. Other interior features include black leather seats, an auto-dimming rear view mirror, and a nine-speaker Bose sound system. Each unit comes with a commemorative car cover and the MCP 25th Anniversary Photobook.

Photos from Mazda, Mazda Philippines

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